I can be bought....

for 700 USD. yes sirry, we were bumped off our kenya flight only to be financially reimbursed. initially, we were going to fly to Johannesburg, south africa (11 hrs) then to kenya (7+ hrs) BUT....they re-routed us through Tanzania (a neighboring country to Kenya)...so it turns out to be only an additional 3 hrs in the air....but another night flight. im not sure if you have slept overnight on a plane...but you might as well pull an all nighter. its pretty uncomfortable...but like i said....for 780 USD...ill miss a night of sleep. that takes me to now...im sitting in the BA business lounge on FREE internet eating FREE yummy food on comfy couches for another 7 hrs until the flight. suffering for Jesus :) josh (a LEGS engineering student) and i are trying to act casual up here....but we keep giggling. life is good. and mom--i now arrive to Kenya July 5th at 11 am.

now to recap the week in senegal. lets go back to sunday where i wore my traditional african clothing and we went to church. it was such a neat experience...although we could barely understand the service. the church is primarily made up of west african believers...so many different countries represented. it always amazes me....how a person can be redeemed. just one. then i look at the globe....and i am speechless. the Lord is moving--He is coming to people in dreams, markets, churches, you name it. A great reminder---that He does not need me. I need Him. I want to be a part of this rushing river of salvation.

after church, we went to Ile de Gorree--where the "point of no return" is-- which is the last stop before the slaves were shipped to the americas and europe. unreal. i stood in the doorway and watched the waves crash in...and could carely breath. i can not imagine being torn away from my family and shipped to an unknown land to be a slave to an unknown man. such a dark spot in history.

monday-thursday was spent working at the handicap center. by work, i mean...the LEGS workshop. the engineers went with the prosthetists...and taught them how to make the knee. its so neat to see how hungry the senagalese are for independence and for technology. the Nevius's (host family) shared with us that because Senegal was colonized by the French--and while it is free now---many of the large corporations are owned by French who will not relinquish control and knowledge. thus--by us coming to senegal to TEACH them technology so they are no longer dependent on others--gives them dignity. what is better than diginity? they were so thankful and joyful to learn. i worked with 2 local PTs who were european trained--thus--were extremely savvy. the teaching aspect quickly turned to discussion. i love an exchange of knowledge and experience. i found myself really wishing i could speak french but very thankful for my translators who were both believers. the week ended with a closing ceremony that was on national TV and attended by the head administrator to all Senegalese hospitals. this is huge as we want to find favor with the government. God is strategic...

as for me, i am doing well. i have been sick the last 3 days with the oh so fun "intestinal travelers tummy". im pretty sick of just eating bread and water....but there are worse things. i tell you what...you dont complain about food in africa. starvation and poverty is so tangible. thankfulness abounds. senegal was incredible--i connected with so many people and some--i will stay in contact for life. His favor was evident...and i think i realized one of my gifts. I am not so hot at all out evangelism....but I am gifted at encouraging those on the ground that are evangelizing. i come alive when given the chance to pour into others.

the schedule in senegal was exhausting b/c we had to be together 100% of the time due to traveling across the capital town to the hospitals. we left the house daily at 7:30 am and didnt return until 6 pm. long days in heat without AC. im not complaining though--there is something great about working hard, sweating, and being exhausted at the end of the day.

so yeah, all is well. we will arrive in kenya tom and i will update you all. off to enjoy the business lounge couches...by taking a nap :)

megs